Attention, BTS ARMY and Kpop enthusiasts! Major changes are sweeping across the iconic filming locations of Kpop megastar BTS in South Korea. These beloved spots, etched in the hearts of millions, are on the brink of transformation. HYBE, the powerhouse behind the global sensation BTS, has made a move that’s sending waves across the nation. As the future of these cherished sites hangs in the balance, dive into the details of what’s happening and why. Stay tuned as we explore the impact of this unexpected turn of events on fans and the landscapes of Kpop culture.
HYBE Strongly Demands the Removal of Iconic Kpop Filming Locations of BTS
Fans of Kpop megastar BTS have long cherished South Korea’s iconic filming locations. Unfortunately, these spots, immortalized by BTS’s music videos and song jackets, now face a new challenge. HYBE, the powerhouse behind BTS, has requested their removal nationwide.
On January 8, an exclusive report from TenAsia revealed that all the iconic filming locations of the Kpop megastar BTS will gradually and entirely disappear. That is because BTS’ parent company, HYBE, had issued an official letter to the local government who had installed these Kpop filming locations. Apparently, they had infringed intellectual property rights by placing all these signs without official permission from BTS and HYBE.
According to TenAsia, the heart of this unfolding story started with the BTS sculptures at Maengbang Beach, known for the hit song “Butter.” The local government created various iconic photo spots using BTS’ names and iconic symbols of the Kpop MV. However, they allegedly did it without applying official copyright permission to the group or the company.
Therefore, despite their strong disagreement, Samcheok City decided to demolish these iconic Kpop filming locations and BTS photo zone.
Various Kpop Sites and BTS Filming Locations to Gradually Disappear in South Korea
Over the last few years, beaches, breakwaters, bus stops, and small stations across South Korea have become famous as filming locations for BTS’s hit song jackets or music videos, earning the nickname’ holy places’ among Kpop fans.
For example, Maengbang Beach in Samcheok is famous as the shooting location for the hit song “Butter,” and a bus stop on Hyangho Beach in Gangneung is known for its sculpture called “Spring Day Bus Stop.”
In addition, the red lighthouse in Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk, known as the “BTS Lighthouse”, is popular among tourists. Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village also has a famous mural of BTS. Even Daegu has a mural street dedicated to V and Suga.
With these rapidly growing unlicensed Kpop filming locations and BTS travel destinations in South Korea, HYBE has requested the local government to remove everything. That is because they have illegally displayed specifications of BTS’s trademarks or portrait rights at places associated with BTS memories.
Local governments, however, express concerns. They see these attractions as vital for tourism and fan engagement.
“HYBE sent us a formal notice to take down the installations, warning of potential legal problems. They claimed the use violated intellectual property rights and, so they were all prohibited.
We attempted to reach an agreement with HYBE, but they stood firm, arguing that there had never been a similar situation before.
Consequently, we had to go ahead with the removal. The same case occurs everywhere in the country, and they have made no exceptions.”
Local Government’s official.
That is why Samcheok City has no choice but to eventually remove the installation at Maengbang Beach.
Local Government Complains, HYBE Stands Firm in Their Decision
While Samcheok City eventually complied with HYBE’s demands, other local governments are voicing their complaints about this measure. They argue that putting restrictions on creating sculptures and murals is too much. After all, the artists made these pieces to welcome fans at filming locations shown in BTS jackets and music videos to serve the public interest.
However, HYBE insisted on proceeding with their demands. They worry that if they do not intervene these growing phenomena, it will only lead to indiscriminate use of BTS’s intellectual property rights by local governments. Therefore, HYBE must approach this issue based on copyright principles. And this policy will lead to more removals across the country.
“In general, we don’t allow any government departments, local governments, or public organizations to use our artists’ names or their intellectual property for creating street art, sculptures, or murals.
So, we must do this to safeguard the artists’ intellectual property rights.
Also, we think that keeping up with ongoing management of these works is challenging and might not reflect well on the artists’ image.”
an official from HYBE.
As Samcheok prepares for the removal, other locations brace for potential changes. These spots, woven into the fabric of local tourism, hope for a middle ground. They seek continuous management while respecting HYBE’s concerns.
Therefore, before these iconic filming locations of Kpop megastar BTS vanish, you might want to visit them at least once. Previously, we have discussed the bucket list of various iconic BTS locations to visit for devoted ARMY. Visit them before South Korea possibly removes some of these iconic sites.
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Source: TenAsia.
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